Just found a stud torn out of the outer belt of my track. It's looks like a pretty clean tear, and the track is still intact around the tear. I have an 02 500XCSP with 120 studs and about 4500 miles. I'm not a real agressive rider. How concerned should I be? This is the first sled I've ever studded, so I'm not sure how worried I should be. The track has 0.91" lugs and 1.071" studs (if I remember right). Should I consider a new track; maybe next season; maybe a 1.25" with no studs?

Make sure you burn the cords around where it ripped out. Did it rip clear to the outside, or just pull where the stud was so theres still alittle track left to the outside...I pulled one last yr on my 500, clear pull in the center belt..i just burned all around it, no problem last 1000 miles..

Pulled a stud on the outside of my track two years ago, have a big chunk, 3" missing on the outside edge and have had no problems since it happened.....I do make sure I check it though every ride.

Definitely keep an eye on it. I pulled a stud on my original track. When the track did go, it punctured one of my tunnel heat exchangers, and I lost my coolant. Just be careful, and I would not try any real high speed runs.

Thanx! It didn't rip to the outside of the belt. I'll burn the edges tonight and keep an eye on it. Just a thought; does anybody make a patch kit for tracks? Thanx again and see you on the trails.

One more quick question. Should I use a torch or soldering iron to burn the edges?

Use a propane torch, low setting and not too close...........DON"T BURN THE RUBBER just hit the frayed ends to seal the track so nothing catches.

I've seen track repair advertised in magazines and at snowmobile shows. I always wondered what a good clamping job and some super strong rubber cement would do to fix tears. Maybe I'll try it on my Edge track. I tore out another stud last weekend and it's a pretty ugly tear.

I had about 20 studs pull out over the coarse of 2 years, and eventually my track cam apart and I lost it. I will never stud again

I see you live in Fairfield, NY. How far are you from Albany, NY. There is a company there named 'Carrol Tech' that repairs tracks. If you are not too far, it might be worth a ride to his shop at the end of the season to have that sucker repaired.

:div20:

I threw a stud.... only problem was it didnt completely rip out. It found the heat exchange and put a nice inch long gouge in her. I cut the stud out and shaved the two nearest because the track showed signs of possible tear. Good thing i shaved the two studs becasue i was on the trail for 5 miles before they ripped out as well. I was left with a 4x4 hole in the center of the track. :banghead:

450 bucks later I got a new track and ready to break that 4000 mile barrier!!!

Good luck with the problem... If your track is starting to wear anyway, I would just get a new one. Theres a good chance the stud was in there too tight if it ripped out like that.

later
mike

I had 192 studs and 4500 mi. when my track went. About 12" piece I lucked out and had no other damage other then a snowflap and slight gouge in front rad. I went to a inch and a quarter track and love it .Studless this time but im thinkig about those trail grabber screws just for icy corners. :div20: